Chocolate will be “on a mission” when Pinehurst United Methodist Women (PUMW) sponsor the area’s first Chocolate Festival on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at the church, 4111 Airport Road, Pinehurst.  This everything-chocolate event will raise funds for local charities. Admission for the 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. event is free and open to the public.

A highlight of the benefit will be a Cake Bake-Off from 10 to 12 a.m., featuring area chefs and bakers. After the cakes are judged, attendees will be able to place a silent bid on their favorite entry.

In the afternoon, there will also be a Cupcake Competition for amateur bakers. There are three age categories: Youth ages 8-12, Teens 13-18 and adults. Cupcake submissions, limited to 2 per contestant, will be received at Pinehurst United Methodist church on the day of the Festival no later than 12:15 p.m.   There will be two judging categories: Best Tasting Cupcake and Best Decorated Cupcake. The only requirement is that there must be the use of chocolate in the cupcake or frosting. An entry form for this competition is available on the festival website www.pinehurstchocolatefestival.vpweb.com. Winners in each age group and in each category will receive a ribbon and a prize and need not be present at the event to win.

Discover tricks to making chocolate truffles and other candies throughout the day.  Candy making demonstrations will be conducted by Sandhills Community College students from the Pastry and Bakery classes in the Culinary Arts program and by chocolatier Sweet Charity and others.

This event is strategically scheduled for three days before Valentine’s Day.  Gourmet baked goods and confections will be available to buy. A “Chocolate Boutique” will feature handmade chocolate items such as soap, body scrub, gift baskets, candles, body lotion, hand knit scarves and knit caps for adults and babies, chocolate-themed jewelry, and inedible chocolate decorations. Special gift baskets have been designed as Valentine gifts for those who enjoy golf, tennis, fishing, cooking, croquet, soccer, sewing and much more. There is sure to be one that will be perfect for your Valentine.

In a special activity area, children (ages 3 to 7) can be involved in decorating a Valentine cookie, creating their own Valentine cards, and other fun projects. There will a $3.00 charge for materials for the first child in a family, $1.00 for the second child and a maximum of $5.00 per family.

Visitors may stop by the “Coca Café” for a light chocolate-flavored lunch and/or beverage.

If you have questions, email us at chocolatefestival@pinehurstumc.org or call the church office at 910 215-4559.  Additional information is also available on the festival’s website www.pinehurstchocolatefestival.vpweb.com.

Proceeds from this event will be donated to Family Promise of Moore County, Friend to Friend, Life Care Pregnancy Center, and other PUMW projects. Family Promise of Moore County works with homeless families, while Friend to Friend aids families who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. Life Care Pregnancy Center assists pregnant women in crisis.